Oil Boom

New economic data is confirming Minnesota’s status as a top performer among Upper Midwest states. The U.S. Department of Commerce for the first time is releasing state-by-state breakdowns of personal income and consumption.

A proposed $150,000 study would examine how Minnesota could leverage the North Dakota oil boom for its own benefit. The research would not focus “just on the effects (of the boom), but also how we can possibly benefit and position ourselves to take advantage of that,” said Sen. Kent Eken, DFL-Twin Valley, sponsor of the bill outlining the report.